That’s a crazy statement up there isn’t it? Steve Jobs, the founder of Apple, creator of the iPod, iPhone, iPad, and iEverythingElse. Mark Zuckerberg, founder of Facebook, millionaire, a college student who started a worldwide social media phenomenon from his dorm room. And I’m sitting here telling you that while these two men are an inspiration for many people, my biggest inspiration is my dog. Go ahead, laugh. But I will explain.
First of all, not trying to be demeaning to humans or anything, but who else can you learn more from – a dog or a CEO of a company? My opinion is a dog. Think about it, these four-legged wonders are capable of showing unconditional love with no strings attached. No matter how many times you leave them home alone or feed them a little later than they would like, they’re still loyal. They still love you. How many people can you say that about, honestly? I’m not knocking humans, by any means, but I do not think our human nature allows us to be capable of loving unconditionally. Dogs aren’t jealous. They aren’t revengeful. They aren’t evil. They just are. Now are there dogs that aren’t as loving, or dogs that are mean? Sure, absolutely. But they sure as heck weren’t born that way. They were trained to be that way, or have been abused or had awful circumstances that teaches them that that’s how they should act. A puppy is not mean. A puppy is not cruel. A puppy just is. Who couldn’t learn from something like that?
Now this post isn’t just about love, though I do find that to be an incredibly inspiring aspect of dogs. No, this post is about courage, it’s about confidence, it’s about doing what needs to be done.
My dog, Koda, is awesome. He’s an 8-year old yellow lab who has never met a stranger in his life. But more than that, I can learn so much from him.
For example, when Koda is hungry, he eats. When Koda has to go to the bathroom, he lets me know. And if I’m not home, he holds it until I get home and then tells me he has to go out. He doesn’t complain. Doesn’t harbor bitterness. He just does what needs to be done.
Koda has no fear of what people think of him. If he wants to run around all crazed like, he will do it. If he wants to bark at the top of his lungs for hours on end, he’s gonna do it. And there’s not really much you can do to stop him. And if he wants to sleep in the middle of the day, in the middle of the hallway, he’s going to do it. And while that may seem a bit annoying to you, it’s encouraging to me. Think about it – if we all had that mentality, what couldn’t we do? If we wanted to apply for a job we weren’t exactly “qualified” for, even though we were capable of doing it, wouldn’t it be great to just do it and not care what other people think? If we wanted to share our beliefs, wouldn’t it be great to just do it without thinking?
Sure, you may be saying, he’s just a dog. Yeah, and if my dog is capable of being braver and bolder than most humans – isn’t that a little ridiculous? So my challenge to you is this: Be a little more like a dog today. If you have something you want to do, go for it. Don’t be afraid. Don’t worry about others. Go for it!
Live like there’s no tomorrow, love like you’ve never been hurt. Live like a dog.
You won’t regret it.
My dog, Koda.
***Disclaimer: When I say I am most inspired by my dog, I am referring to people and, I guess, animals, of this world who inspire me. If I were to name who inspires me the most, bar none, that would be Jesus Christ. But he is not of this world. So please know I am not saying I’m more inspired and motivated by my dog than God. That is not the case. I am simply referring to things of this world.***
This is awesome.